Whirlpool dryer F3E5 error code
F3E5 does not mean the same thing on every Whirlpool dryer. Our data shows 3 documented meanings, depending on which engineering platform the model is built on. Look up your model number to see the one that applies.
| Meaning | Appliance | Whirlpool models |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet and exhaust thermistors open | Electric dryer, Gas dryer | 266 |
| Second (rear) moisture sensor fault | Electric dryer, Gas dryer | 131 |
| Compressor and outlet thermistors open | Electric dryer, Gas dryer | 10 |
F3E5: Inlet and exhaust thermistors open
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Electric dryer, Gas dryer
- Code
- F3E5
- Documented meaning
- Inlet and exhaust thermistors open
- Applies to
- 266 Whirlpool models on 6 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F3E5 on 2008-2017 platforms means both the inlet and the exhaust temperature sensors read as open at the same time.
What the dryer is detecting
Two sensors failing at once is unlikely, so the control reports this as a separate code. The service documentation notes that it occurs when the shared sensor connector is not plugged into the main control.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented The shared sensor connector at the main control is unplugged or not fully seated.
- Possible A damaged section of harness carrying both sensor circuits.
- Possible A main control fault in the sensor inputs.
Safe checks you can make
- Turn the dryer off at the breaker (or unplug it) for about one minute, restore power and start a new cycle to see whether the code comes back right away.
- If the code appeared right after a repair or after the dryer was moved, tell the technician; a disturbed connector is the documented cause.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks that the sensor connector is fully seated at the main control.
- Tests both sensor circuits from the control connector.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer exhaust thermistor replacement | $180–$290 | Light |
| Dryer main control board replacement | $280–$640 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Do not run the dryer on heat until this is corrected; the control has no valid temperature readings.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WED70HEBW
- WED71HEBW
- WED71HEDW
- WED72HEDW
- WED7505FW
- WED7540FW
- WED75HEFW
- WED7740FW
- WED77HEFW
- WED8000BW
- WED80HEBC
- WED80HEBW
- WED80HECC
- WED80HECW
- WED8100BW
- WED81HEDC
And 250 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E5: Second (rear) moisture sensor fault
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Electric dryer, Gas dryer
- Code
- F3E5
- Documented meaning
- Second (rear) moisture sensor fault
- Applies to
- 131 Whirlpool models on 12 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F3E5 on 2019 and newer platforms means the second moisture sensor, fitted only to models with a dual (rear) sensor, reads as open or shorted.
What the dryer is detecting
Some models have a second set of moisture-sensing strips toward the rear of the drum. F3E5 is set when that second circuit looks permanently open or shorted. It is generally visible only in the service diagnostic menu.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented The second moisture sensor strip or its wiring is open or shorted.
- Possible A loose connection between the rear sensor and the main control.
- Possible A sensing-circuit fault on the main control.
Safe checks you can make
- Wipe the two metal moisture-sensing strips inside the drum (usually near the lint screen opening) with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol to remove fabric-softener film.
- On many models this code is stored only for the service diagnostic menu, so the dryer may still run normally; if you see it, note it for the technician.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Runs the moisture sensor test in service diagnostics for each sensor.
- Inspects the rear sensor wiring and connection.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer moisture sensor bar repair | $180–$310 | Light |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. The dryer can usually keep running, but automatic cycles may be less accurate. Use timed dry if loads come out damp or over-dried.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WED4720RW
- WED500CMW
- WED500RLW
- WED500RMW
- WED5010LW
- WED5050LW
- WED5100HC
- WED5100HW
- WED5220LRW
- WED5220RW
- WED5605MC
- WED5605MW
- WED560LHW
- WED5620HW
- WED5720RR
- WED5720RU
And 115 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E5: Compressor and outlet thermistors open
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Electric dryer
- Code
- F3E5
- Documented meaning
- Compressor and outlet thermistors open
- Applies to
- 10 Whirlpool models on 2 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F3E5 on the 2014-2015 hybrid heat pump platforms means the compressor and outlet temperature sensors both read as open.
What the dryer is detecting
These hybrid dryers monitor the heat pump compressor and the outlet air with separate sensors. When both read open together, the documentation points to their shared connector not being plugged into the main control.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented The shared sensor connector at the main control is unplugged or loose.
- Possible Damaged harness carrying both sensor circuits.
- Possible A main control fault in the sensor inputs.
Safe checks you can make
- Turn the dryer off at the breaker (or unplug it) for about one minute, restore power and start a new cycle to see whether the code comes back right away.
This stage requires professional testing. Full diagnosis involves hazards such as live line voltage, gas, a sealed refrigerant system or microwave high voltage. Do not attempt it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks the sensor connector at the main control and the circuits to both sensors.
- Anything involving the heat pump's sealed refrigerant system requires professional testing, because it is a pressurized system that needs certified handling.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer exhaust thermistor replacement | $180–$290 | Light |
| Dryer main control board replacement | $280–$640 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Do not keep running the dryer until the sensors are restored; it cannot protect the heat pump or regulate drying temperature without them.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Whirlpool platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a dryer. Most F3E5 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 12–14-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F3E5 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.